Biomechanical characteristics of stepping in older Tai Chi practitioners

Gait & Posture
Ge Wu

Abstract

This study compared the biomechanical characteristics of stepping in 10 older (aged 55+ years) Tai Chi (TC) practitioners and 10 age-matched non-TC (NTC) controls. Subjects were asked to take a step on an auditory cue as fast as possible, in the forward and backward directions, and with and without mental distractions, respectively. Stepping characteristics included step initiation time, preparation time for foot off, foot contact time, and step length and width. The results showed that both groups had similar step initiation time, step length and forward step width (p>0.466). Although mental distraction significantly delayed step initiation time and foot contact time, and shortened step length in both groups (p<0.003), TC practitioners had significantly shorter preparation and foot contact time, and wider backward step width than controls regardless of mental distraction (p<0.024). These group differences are in favor of TC practitioners in situations of postural recovery from potential falls, even with mental distractions, and may explain the positive effect of TC practice on fall reduction in older adults.

References

May 1, 1994·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·C W LuchiesJ Ashton-Miller
Nov 1, 1996·The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences·W E McIlroy, B E Maki
Mar 1, 1997·Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·J M HausdorffJ Y Wei
Aug 22, 2000·The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences·J L Medell, N B Alexander
Feb 22, 2001·Journal of Biomechanics·C SmeestersT A McMahon
Feb 24, 2001·Osteoporosis International : a Journal Established As Result of Cooperation Between the European Foundation for Osteoporosis and the National Osteoporosis Foundation of the USA·M PalvanenM Järvinen
Jul 11, 2001·The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences·M J PavolM D Grabiner
Feb 1, 2003·The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences·Mark W RogersLois D Hedman
Jun 24, 2004·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·Be-long ChoNeil B Alexander
Jul 24, 2004·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·Itshak Melzer, Lars I E Oddsson
Oct 7, 2004·Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·Chris J HassSteven L Wolf
Apr 9, 2005·The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences·Fuzhong LiNicole L Wilson
Aug 23, 2005·Aging Clinical and Experimental Research·M F Hamel, Yves Lajoie
May 5, 2006·Gait & Posture·Strawberry K Gatts, Marjorie Hines Woollacott
Jan 3, 2007·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·Joseph O NnodimNeil B Alexander
Jun 15, 2007·Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics·Samantha Richerson, Kyle Rosendale
Jul 31, 2007·Journal of the American Geriatrics Society·Alexander VoukelatosChris Rissel

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Citations

Jan 11, 2014·Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy·Madeleine E Hackney, Steven L Wolf
Mar 19, 2013·Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine·Arthur de Sá Ferreira
Feb 5, 2015·Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine : ECAM·Ji ZhouXiao Cun Yang
Apr 4, 2021·International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·Jernej SeverNejc Šarabon

❮ Previous
Next ❯

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.